骂 (mà) — to scold, to curse, to abuse
Definition
骂 is to scold or curse someone with words — everyday, verbal abuse. Unlike 虐待 ('mistreat' physically/emotionally), 骂 is only speech, not action. Contrast with 说 ('speak') in tone, not topic: 骂 is angry speech, 说 is neutral.
verb
to scoldto curseto abuse
Measure word · 通, 顿
Examples
- 骂。Tā mà le wǒ yí dùn.He gave me a scolding.
- 骂，。Bié mà rén, hǎo hǎo shuō huà.Don't curse at people; speak properly.
- 骂。Tā yīn wèi chí dào bèi lǎo bǎn mà le.He was scolded by the boss for being late.
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.
This origin belongs to the traditional form 罵; 骂 is its simplified writing.
Sound part声符shēngfú
馬
馬mǎ罵mà
Same sound today
The traditional form 罵 uses 网 (a net) for the meaning and 馬 for the sound; the simplified 骂 is a later shorthand.
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